Three die in Rawai smash

RAWAI: An accident on Wiset Rd left a father, his daughter and his niece dead, and his wife seriously injured after the motorbike they were riding and a car collided on Sunday evening.

Chalong Police were alerted to the accident in front of Baan Haad Rawai Bungalow about 8 pm.

Pol Lt Col Peeraphan Meemak, inspector of Chalong Police Station, told the Gazette that he arrived at the scene to find the body of 29-year-old construction worker Payont Waraputh next to a smashed Honda Wave motorcycle and a gold Honda Jazz with damage to the right of the front bumper.

K. Payont was returning from Rawai Beach when the collision occurred, said Col Peeraphan, adding that witnesses to the crash were yet to be interviewed.

K. Payont’s daughter Walaiporn, 8, and his niece Supitchaya Chaikiri, 6, had been taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital by rescue workers before Col Peeraphan arrived at the scene.

They died of their injuries on the way to hospital, the police officer said.

The driver of the Honda Jazz, Canadian Leslie Hand, 44, was returning from Chalong Circle to her home in Bang Khon Thee, Rawai, said Col Peeraphan.

Police found Ms Hand, who was not injured, waiting at the side of the road.

K. Payont’s wife, Wipaporn Buayoo, 25, remains in critical condition at Vachira Phuket Hospital. Police were unable to provide details of her injuries.

The bodies of the deceased were taken to Wat Lathiwanaram for funeral ceremonies.

Ms Hand was charged with negligence causing death, and released on bail yesterday.

Chalong Police are continuing their investigation.